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This week's Lacey Township Police Blotter

  • DUI Arrest – On Tuesday, January 17, 2017, Officers Julie Barcalow and Jason Lee responded to JR’s Liquors, located at 1000 Lacey Road in Forked River for an unrelated alarm. While at the scene, a seperate DUI investigation began. The investigation led to the arrest of 45-year-old James Frey of Green View Way in Toms River, NJ, for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. James Frey was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle and Consuming Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law
  • Warrant Arrest – On Monday, January 16, 2017, at 11:05 p.m., Officer Michael Baldasari conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of Caffrey’s, located at 440 Route 9 South in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 27-year-old Keith W. Hestermann, Jr., of North Penn Avenue in Forked River, on an outstanding Lacey Township Municipal Court warrant in the bail amount of $750. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Keith Hestermann, Jr., was unable to post bail and was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
  • Drug Arrest – On Monday, January 16, 2017, at 12:02 a.m., Officer Michael Baldasari conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of Applebees, located at 404 Route 9 South in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 25-year-old Joseph R. Greco of Bittern Lane in Bayville, NJ, for Possession of CDS. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Joseph Greco was released after receiving a criminal summons for Possession of Marijuana 50 Grams or Less and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. In addition he received traffic summonses for Speeding and CDS in a Motor Vehicle.
  • Warrant Arrest – On Sunday, January 15, 2017, at 7:54 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to Second Street in Forked River to serve two outstanding warrants. Upon arrival, officers arrested 25-year-old Jerry L. Anderson, 3rd, of Lexington Boulevard in Barnegat, NJ on the two outstanding warrants. Warrant number one (1) was issued by the Berkeley Township Municipal Court in the bail amount of $1,500 and warrant number two (2) was issued by the Ocean Township Municipal Court in the bail amount of $120. Jerry Anderson was transported to police headquarters and processed. He was unable to post bail and was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
  • Warrant Arrest – On Sunday, January 15, 2017, at 12:25 a.m., Officer Anthony Sarno conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Middle Branch and Bahama Drives in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 30-year-old Stephen P. Pajewski of Route 37 West in Toms River, NJ, on two outstanding warrants. Warrant number one (1) was issued by the Manchester Township Municipal Court in the bail amount of $500 and warrant number two (2) was issued by the Robbinsville Township Municipal Court in the bail amount of $1,500.   Stephen Pajewski was transported to police headquarters and processed. He posted bail on the Manchester Township Municipal Court warrant.  Robbinsville Township was contacted regarding their warrant and they released him on his own recognizance pending a future court date. In addition, Stephen Pajewski received a motor vehicle summons for Driving with a Suspended Driver’s License before being released from custody.
  • Warrant Arrest – On Saturday, January 14, 2017, at 10:21 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Beverly Road and Joffre Road in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the front seat passenger, identified as 46-year-old Steven J. Bassford, of Lancaster Court in Forked River, on an outstanding Ocean County Sheriff’s Department warrant in the bail amount of $22,073.87. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Stephen Bassford was unable to post bail and was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
  • Drug Arrest – On Saturday, January 14, 2017, at 9:25 p.m., Officer Michael Verwey responded to the Wawa, located at 701 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for a report of a male slumped over the steering wheel in his vehicle.  Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 24-year-old Robert M. Donahue of Crestwood Drive in Forked River, for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Robert Donahue was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, Failure to Exhibit Registration and Failure to Exhibit Proof of Insurance. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
  • Drug Arrest – On Saturday, January 14, 2017, at 2:49 p.m., Special Officer Adam Bylsma conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Route 9 South and Station Drive in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 21-year-old Brianna L. Vega of Oregon Avenue in Waretown, NJ, for Possession of CDS. She was transported to police headquarters and processed. Brianna Vega was released after receiving a criminal summons for Possession of Marijuana 50 Grams or Less. In addition, she received traffic summonses for CDS in a Motor Vehicle and Cell Phone Use.
  • Warrant Arrest – On Friday, January 13, 2017, at 8:48 p.m., Officers Martin Julian and Jesse Dalziel responded to Constitution Drive in Forked River, to serve an outstanding warrant. Upon arrival officers arrested 24-year-old Shawn P. Kelly of Constitution Drive in Forked River, on an outstanding Hammonton Township Municipal Court warrant in the bail amount of $1500. Shawn Kelly was transported to police headquarters and processed. He was turned over to the custody the Hammonton Township Police Department.
  • Shoplifting Arrest – On Friday, January 13, 2017, at 6:37 p.m., Officers Patrick Watkins and Andrew Slota responded to the Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for a female shoplifter.  Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 18-year-old Taquanah I. Boone of Maple Street in Waretown, NJ, for shoplifting merchandise valued at $34.96. In addition, she initially provided a false name. She was transported to police headquarters and processed. Taquanah Boone was released after receiving a criminal summons for Shoplifting and for Hindering her own Apprehension by providing the false name.

Lacey Police Impound Vehicle in DUI Arrest

On Tuesday, January 17, 2017, Officers Julie Barcalow and Jason Lee responded to JR’s Liquors, located at 1000 Lacey Road in Forked River for an unrelated alarm. While at the scene, a seperate DUI investigation began. The investigation led to the arrest of 45-year-old James Frey of Green View Way in Toms River, NJ, for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. James Frey was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle and Consuming Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

Lacey Police and Fire Department Honored for Saving Woman’s Life

by Chief Michael DiBella, LaceyPD

LACEY-On Tuesday evening, January 17, 2017, the Lacey Township Board of Education honored Police Officers Anthony Sarno and Christopher Meyler, along with Forked River Firefighter Edward Barker, Jr., for saving an elderly woman from her burning home November 25, 2016. During the Lacey School Board meeting, High School Principal Greg Brandis spoke about the incident and honored all three alumni for their actions, providing each with a certificate.  Several officers from the Lacey Township Police Department, along with members of the Forked River Fire Department, Mayor Peter Curatolo and Committeeman Gary Quinn were present. Officer Sarno graduated in 2003, Officer Meyler in 2007, and Edward Barker, Jr in 2010.

The incident occurred on Friday, November 25, 2016, at 12:09 a.m. Officers Christopher Meyler, Anthony Sarno, and Julie Barcalow responded to the 1800 block of Serpentine Drive in Forked River, in regard to a fire alarm. The fire alarm notification was followed by a second call, from a neighbor reporting heavy smoke coming from the residence. Upon Officer Meyler’s arrival, he observed a large concentration of flames coming from the rear of the ranch-style home. Officer Meyler located two adult female occupants (visitors from Massachusetts), who advised that they were able to exit from the fire, however, the 81-year-old female homeowner was still inside. Officer Meyler soon discovered the woman was trapped inside the attached garage. Officer Meyler broke an exterior garage window and entered inside in an attempt to reach the homeowner.  Officers Julie Barcalow, Anthony Sarno, and Scott Keefe arrived on scene to assist.  Officer Sarno entered the garage, along with two Forked River Volunteer Firemen, Rob Anderson and Edward Barker, Jr.   The four of them were able to successfully transfer the woman homeowner outside through the garage window.  The homeowner, and the two female visitors from Massachusetts, ages 64 and 35, were transported to Community Medical Center for smoke inhalation.  Officers Meyler and Sarno were also taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.

In addition to Officers Anthony Sarno and Christopher Meyler, both Officers Julie Barcalow and Scott Keefe were recognized on December 9, 2016, by Chief Michael C. DiBella for their actions involving the November 25, 2016 fire. In addition, I would like to acknowledge that Forked River Firefighter Rob Anderson was as instrumental as all in saving the woman’s life. Furthermore, I need to acknowledge Forked River Fire Chief Raymond Brandmahl for his actions November 25, 2016.

I would like to thank the Lacey Township Board of Education for taking the time to honor the involved police officers and firefighters. Additionally, I would like to once again honor all of the involved police officers and firefighters who helped save this woman’s life back on November 25, 2016. In addition to our officers, our Emergency Services Personnel are truly an asset to Lacey Township and I thank them.

The below photos depict the certificates provided by the Lacey Township High School to Officers Anthony Sarno and Christopher Meyler.

Lacey Township Police Department/Ocean County Sheriff’s Police Explorer Program Monthly Update

by Chief Michael DiBella, Lacey PD

LACEY-On December 7th, 2016, I announced Lacey Township Police Department’s partnership with the Ocean County Sheriff to bring our young adults the most advanced police explorer program available. The recent partnership has led to several new police explorers from Lacey Township. The new Police Explorers have all been measured for their respective police explorer uniforms in anticipation for working events throughout Lacey Township and Ocean County in 2017. In addition, the new Police Explorers have already received training on preparing and conducting search warrants, which included a mock search warrant execution for illegal drugs and firearms at a building located at the Robert J. Miller Air Park , Law Enforcement Use of Force Training and Military Etiquette and Drill. The next Police Explorer Meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, January 19th, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. at the Robert J. Miller Air Park, located at 901 Route 530, Bayville, NJ (Berkeley Township). The topic of discussion will be illegal narcotics. Lacey Township Police Chief Michael C. DiBella and Lieutenant Paul Sullivan, Jr., will be representing Lacey Township Police Department. The Lacey Township/Ocean County Sheriff’s Police Explorer Post is still accepting a limited amount of applications for Police Explorers.

The Police Explorer program is run through the Boy Scouts of America Learning for Life program and is designed to provide exciting and challenging training, along with “on-the-job” experience for young adults who may be interested in a career in law enforcement. Police Explorers participate in many phases of Law enforcement work, but are NOT placed in dangerous situations. The Police Explorer program is an excellent way to become involved with the community while learning about a possible career in law enforcement!  Several Law Enforcement Officers began their careers as police explorers.

REQUIREMENTS

Ÿ    Be 14 to 20 years of age (must enter the program prior to 18th birthday)

Ÿ    Maintain at least a ‘C’ average in all school work through 12th grade

Ÿ    Pass a background investigation (criminal/motor vehicle record)

Ÿ    Complete an oral interview

Ÿ    Maintain outstanding moral and ethical character at all times

Ÿ    Demonstrate willingness to serve and participate in Police Explorer activities and community events

An applicant CANNOT have any arrests, convictions, or serious motor vehicle violations (for example a DUI). Police Explorers will have to display professionalism and good behavior at all times.  The Police Explorer must be able to work independently and with other Explorers, Explorer Peer Supervisors, and Law Enforcement Officers. The public will hold Police Explorers to the same high standards as Police Officers.

Police Explorers must attend training three times a month once appointed. The training is conducted by Ocean County Sheriff’s Officers, Lacey Township Police Officers, and additional law enforcement officers, who serve as Police Explorer Advisors.

Applications are currently available at the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, 120 Hooper Avenue, 3rd Floor, in Toms River, and the Lacey Township Police Department, located at 808 W. Lacey Road in Forked River. Applications are also available at the Lacey Township High School Guidance Office, located at 73 Haines Street in Lanoka Harbor. Completed applications can either be submitted to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department or the  Lacey Township Police Department. There are no fees involved for the police explorer program. For additional information or questions, please contact Lieutenant Paul Sullivan, Jr., at the Lacey Township Police Department (609) 693-6636, ext. 2577, or Ocean County Sheriff’s Officer Christine Farrell at (732) 288-7843.

Lacey Township Receives "Town of Excellence Award" from DART Prevention Coalition

LACEY-RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention (IFP)’s DART Prevention Coalition recently honored local individuals for their significant contributions in substance abuse prevention throughout Ocean County.  Awards/Honorees include:

  • “Terrence P. Farley Recognition of Excellence Award” for exemplifying passion for substance abuse prevention and leadership in Ocean County. Recipient: Lieutenant Jeffrey Ryan, Barnegat Police Department.
  • “Recognition of Service Award” to Retired Chief Robert Lawson, Lakewood Police Department.
  • “Training in Intervention Procedures (TIPs) Policy Awards” designed to prevent underage drinking and drunk driving. Recipients:  Tuscan Bistro Bar, Toms River; and Tio Juan’s Margaritas, Toms River.
  • “Town of Excellence Award” for implementation of comprehensive prevention strategies in partnership with government, school, law enforcement and faith-based groups. Recipient: Lacey Township.

Township officials lauded the efforts of the Lacey Township Municipal Alliance, the department of recreation, the Lacey Township Police Department and the Lacey Township School District.

The IFP named Lacey Township a “Town of Excellence” in its efforts to curtail underage drinking and the use of illegal marijuana, drugs and tobacco, during the DART Prevention Coalition’s Year-End Celebration. Lacey Township was the only Municipality in New Jersey to receive this award in 2016.

The Lacey Township Police Department’s efforts have included but are not limited to the 5x Sticker-Shock program that was presented in all three of our local liquor stores on September 1st, 2016, including Spirits Unlimited, Lacey Liquors, and Jr’s Liquors.

The 5x campaign is premised on the research that kids are 5x more likely to develop an alcohol problem if they start drinking before the age of 15.

“Sticker Shock”, a component of the 5x campaign, is designed to reach adults who might purchase alcohol legally and provide it to minors.

During the Sticker Shock program, bright red stickers warning about the penalties for furnishing alcohol to minors were placed by school students on alcohol products, including beer and wine coolers, which might appeal to underage drinkers.

Additional efforts include Lieutenant Paul Sullivan, Jr., presenting the “Parents who Host Lose the Most” alcohol prevention campaign program during both the Lacey Township High School Freshman Orientation and the Lacey Township Middle School Back to School Night in 2016. The “Parents who Host Lose the Most” program is a public awareness program educating communities and parents about health and safety risks of serving alcohol at teenage parties. The program concentrates on celebratory times for youth, including, but not limited to, homecoming, prom and graduation and other times when underage drinking is prevalent. The program encourages parents and the community to send a unified message that teen alcohol consumption is unhealthy, unsafe and not acceptable.

Furthermore, Lacey Township Police was one of the first police department’s to supply a medicine drop-box  in the lobby of police headquarters. The drop-box is used for the proper disposal of unwanted medications, however, does not include liquids or syringes. To date the Lacey Township Police Department has received and disposed of thousands of pounds of unwanted medications and will continue to do so into the future. The program is anonymous and no record will be made of individual identities related to the discarded medications. Residents simply need to respond to the Lacey Township Police Department, enter the main lobby, and drop the medications in the designated drop-box and leave. At no time do you need to check in with the Police Dispatch Center or speak with any officers. The Medicine drop-box is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

In 2017, Lacey Township will continue to focus on the above initiatives. In addition, the Lacey Township Police Department is in the initial stages of providing the “LEADS” program, also known as “Law Enforcement Against Drugs” to the school children of Lacey Township.

“I will continue to bring drug and alcohol prevention and education programs to our community,” said Lacey Township Police Chief Michael DiBella.  “In addition, I would like to personally thank the DART Coalition, the Lacey Township Committee, the Lacey Township Board of Education, the Municipal Alliance, the members of the Lacey Township Police Department, and all other assisting agencies, for their support and dedication leading to this award.”

Watch: Regina Discenza Calls it Quits; Blames Everyone Else

Letter to the Editor

Lacey school board member Regina Discenza, to pretty much everyone’s enjoyment and pleasure announced she’s done taking up space on the Lacey School Board and will not run for reelection when her term expires after 9 or 10 or 11 or whatever failed campaigns.

Now that the public has seen her antics, she knows she would never win another election anyway.

She’s been worthless on the board since she got on it and has been nothing but a political nuisance in a position that is non-partisan and non-political.

And yes, Ms. Dicsenza, as a school board member you are not welcome to any other perks or benefits that any non-elected citizen has.

Regina Discenza feels she has special powers as a school board member that ordinary residents don’t have.

Not the case.

She must have missed that class.

The township and the children will be better without her.

Her response was beautifully highlighted by her fellow board members who completely ignored her entire speech, but remember…it’s “for the children”!

Signed,
A happy Lacey parent with children in the district.

 

UPSET WITH THE LACEY SCHOOL BOARD?  Send your letters to the editor to news@shorenewsnetwork.com

 

 

Toms River Officials: 75% of beach dunes lost in Nor'easter

Toms river officials: 75% of beach dunes lost in nor'easterA news release has been published by the Township of Toms River. It reads:

The Township Department of Public Works and Engineering have been monitoring conditions at our beaches following last night’s nor’easter. Unfortunately, we estimate about 75 percent of our dunes were lost in this storm. Several walkovers were also damaged. Our Parks, Buildings and Grounds department has closed access points to the beaches in these locations. Fortunately, there were no breaches of ocean breaking through to the streets.

The Township has an emergency contract in place with Cardinal Construction to import sand as soon as possible. We hope to be moving sand in the next day or so, working first in Ortley Beach then moving to Normandy Beach. Mayor Kelaher has been in contact with the state Department of Environmental Protection to request some assistance from the state for this nor’easter.


Until the federal dune replenishment project begins this spring, the Township remains committed to protecting private property and businesses from storms and flooding.

photos provided by Toms River Township.
Toms river officials: 75% of beach dunes lost in nor'easterToms river officials: 75% of beach dunes lost in nor'easter

Teen Struck by Car While Crossing Street for School Bus

Submitted by Jackson Police Dept.

JACKSON-On Tuesday January 24, 2017 at approximately 6:52 am, patrol officers and emergency personnel responded to Brewers Bridge Road in the area of Buckingham Drive on the report of a juvenile who had been struck by a vehicle.

 

Upon arriving at the scene, officers determined that a teenaged male suffered minor injuries after being struck by a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix while crossing Brewers Bridge Road to board a township school bus. The driver of the involved vehicle was identified as a 57 year old female resident of Lakehurst. She stopped her vehicle immediately and was fully cooperative with the investigating officers.

 

The teenaged male was transported by ground to a local hospital as a precaution.

 

The preliminary investigation indicates that the juvenile had entered the roadway prior to the bus coming to a stop and activating its red flashing lights. The incident is still currently under investigation by Police Officers Trevor Crowley and Brad Reider of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.

 

Ocean County Democrats Offer Sessions on Activism in Toms River, Barnegat

The Ocean County Democrats will be hosting two events in February, activist training and a Trump “How and Why” session.

On February 8th, from 6-8 pm, Democrats will be discussing, “Making a difference-how, why and when in the Trump era.”  The event will be held at the Ocean County Library in Downtown Toms River.

On February 23rd, from 6-8pm, they will be providing Democratic Activist Training at the Barnegat branch of the Ocean County Library.

“Making a difference in your town and country- running for office- how, why and when to run,” read the event notice. “If you’ve ever thought about running for office, or would like to get involved in a campaign- this training is for you. This is the first session in a series, and will go over how to get on the ballot and what it takes to get started.”

 

 

Clean drinking water to be made available for residents with contaminated wells

JACKSON-Joint Base MDL officials said today that they have not yet received test results back from wells tested in Jackson Township, but if those tests come back with PFOS and PFOA levels that exceed EPA limits, clean water will be provided to those residents.

“Where our activities contaminated drinking water above the Environmental Protection Agency health advisory, we immediately provide safe drinking water and implement long-term steps to ensure safe drinking water, including transitioning to a more environmentally responsible AFFF alternative,”  said Air Force spokesperson Chris Powell.

He added that the Air Force will continue sampling wells in Jackson Township that are near the contamination zone on the the base.   Earlier it was estimated that 40 to 50 homes could be impacted.  Base officials went to those homes to ask residents to allow them to test their well water.

“The Air Force is committed to protecting human health and ensuring safe drinking water for our Airmen and impacted communities,” Powell said. “We are systematically sampling groundwater and soil where Aqueous Film Forming Foam was released, prioritizing release sites with a higher probability of groundwater contamination.”

Local elected officials have yet to issue a response on the possible well water contamination.

“To date, we have not yet received validated results from the ground water testing that has been conducted,” he concluded.

Residents with well water who are concerned about their water quality can visit Jackson Township’s website, www.jacksontwpnj.net and request a water testing kit.

 

Video: Large waves pound Seaside Heights on Both Sides

Videos posted today to Facebook show the power and force of waves hitting Seaside Heights on the ocean and bay fronts.

https://www.facebook.com/jlcoccaro/videos/10202603243358013/

 

https://www.facebook.com/jlcoccaro/videos/10202603286679096/

Nor'Easter Photos: Ortley Beach

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Photos from Ortley Beach during the January 23rd Nor’easter by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.  Click photo to view gallery.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_images_carousel images=”93746,93747,93748,93749″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Lakewood Police: Avoid Route 9 & Hurley Avenue for Next Two Hours

AVOID Rt 9 & Hurley Ave for the next 2 hrs due to emergency utility work. Across the Jersey Shore traffic lights have gone out, telephone poles topped and trees fallen. Roads have been closed in Ocean Twp, Jackson Twp and many others. Use caution while driving today during the storm.

Photo: Ocean Twp PD.

Accident Under Investigation in Manahawkin

On January 20th, 2017 at approximately 4:20pm, the Stafford Township Police Department responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two vehicles at the intersection of Neptune Drive and Breakers Drive. This is located in Ocean Acres.

Investigation revealed that a 2009 Honda Civic being operated by Julie Ruch, 31 years old of Manahawkin, N.J. was travelling east on Breakers Drive. At this time, he failed to stop for a stop sign, and struck a 2012 Cadillac SRX operated by Kristen Musolf, 35 years old of Manahawkin, N.J. She was travelling north on Neptune Drive.

Ruch sustained a minor head injury, and was transported to Southern Ocean Medical Center via Quality Medical Transport.

Musolf had to be extricated from her vehicle by members of the Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Company. She was later transported to Southern Ocean Medical Center via Stafford Township Volunteer EMS for a complaint of back and leg pain.

The roadway at this location was temporarily closed for approximately 45 minutes, and later reopened.

This accident is still under investigation by Officer Vincent.

Roof ripped off building in Long Branch

Long Branch Fire Depart reported: Tour 4 clearing up from the scene of storm damage to a beachfront building. The buildings roof membrane separated from the structure. No injuries were reported. Photo: James Quinn.

Military to go Door to Door to Ask Residents for Well Samples; Contaminated Wells Found In Manchester

JACKSON-The Department of Defense ramped up its efforts to get water samples from residents in Jackson near Joint Base MDL whose well water may have been contaminated with fire suppression chemicals over three decades of use at the base.

Read full report: Joint Base operations may have contaminated Jackson well water.

The Air Force is now going door to door to some 40 or 50 properties asking owners for permission to draw water samples after last week’s effort to voluntarily collect those samples.

According to a report, base officials say two private wells in Manchester have already been closed due to contamination.

The Air Force released a statement:

The Department of the Air Force is currently conducting sampling of private drinking water wells for perfluoroctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as part of a sampling program related to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL) because some on-base groundwater locations on base were found to exceed EPA Health Advisory Levels (HALs) for these two compounds. JB MDL is hand delivering informational packages to approximately 40-50 properties in the southeastern portion of Jackson Township near the JB MDL boundary where they are seeking permission from property owners to sample their drinking water well.

After Officer Nearly Struck, Department Reiterates Commitment to Enforce "Move Over" law

JACKSON-The Jackson Police Department says it will be taking violations of New Jersey’s “Move Over” law very seriously.    Ocean County has recently installed warning signs along County Line Road in the township and the department says motorists should heed those warnings.

“The Law states that motorists approaching stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or other highway safety vehicles such as maintenance trucks, that are displaying red, blue, or amber flashing lights, must move over one lane if safe to do so,” the department said in a statement. “If not safe to move over, drivers should slow down to below the posted speed limit.”

The purpose of the law is to reduce the number of roadway fatalities and injuries to emergency workers, tow operators, and maintenance personnel operating statewide along our roadways. Several other states have similar versions of this law.

In 2016 alone, approximately 9 police officers nationwide were killed when third party vehicles struck them or their patrol vehicle from behind. That 9 includes NJSP Trooper Sean Cullen who was killed while investigating a separate motor vehicle crash in South Jersey in March of 2016.

The department takes the law seriously.  It was former Jackson Memorial High School Student and State Trooper Marc Castellano’s unfortunate death on Route 195 that brought light to the issue which led to the law’s creation.

“Jackson officers have been, and will continue to take enforcement action with respect to this critical law,” the department said. “The Jackson Police Department would like to extend our appreciation to Donna Setaro, the mother of late State Trooper Marc Castellano, for her guidance in this process, and for her unrelenting commitment to this cause. Trooper Castellano, a graduate of Jackson Memorial High School, died after an incident along Interstate 195 in neighboring Howell Township on June 6th, 2010. Trooper Castellano had been assisting with the search for a suspect in an unrelated matter when a motorist accidentally left their lane of travel, and struck and killed him along the side of the highway.”

Jackson police said an inattentive driver last week crashed into one of the department’s patrol vehicles, nearly striking an officer.

On January 16, 2017 at 11:15 pm, Police Officer Greenberger was involved in a road closure on Cedar Swamp Road at Diamond Road due to a previous motor vehicle crash. The officer had his patrol unit, with emergency lights activated, stationed at the intersection near an illuminated street light to block the lane which was also blocked with road flares.

The driver of a 2010 Ford Fusion approached the intersection, drove around the flares in the road and then disregarded the officer who was wearing a reflective vest and utilizing a flashlight to attempt to get the driver’s attention before jumping out of the way, and then crashed into the marked patrol unit. Fortunately there were no injuries in this incident and the driver was issued the appropriate summons.

Police Seek to ID Man Who Stole 82 Year Old Woman's Wallet in ShopRite

https://www.facebook.com/tomsriverpolice/videos/1380054315339614/

TOMS RIVER-On January 17th Officer Scott Fallano responded to the Shoprite located at #2 Route 37 West. Upon arrival he met an 82 year old Manchester woman who was reporting that her wallet was stolen from her shopping cart. The wallet appears to have been removed from her cart around 2pm. The investigation developed a person of interest that our detectives would like to speak to. He is a white man in his 40’s and wears glasses. On the date of the incident he was wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt, jeans, and sneakers with white laces. Anyone who can identify the man should contact Detective Tom Grosse at 732-349-0150 extension 1263 or tgrosse@trpolice.org. The man in the attached video can be seen walking from the top of the screen towards the store exit without a shopping cart.